After an ugly start and an equally impressive comeback over the Leafs on Hockey Day in Canada, the Vancouver Canucks look to continue to improve on the road and overcome the .500 barrier away from GM Place.

Since news of Mike Cammalleri’s knee injury, the Canadiens are probably just looking to keep their head above water as they try to survive in an increasingly tight Eastern conference. Eight teams are separated by only FIVE points that stretches from 5^th place to 13^th place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Tonight the NHL’s leading scorer, his twin brother, French step-brother, and the rest of the Canucks take on the Montreal Canadiens, who look like they need a push off of the trade deadline fence. The Canucks seem to be very good at kicking personnel out of town this season. John Stevens, Andy Murray, and most recently the quartet of Maple Leafs (White, Mayers, Stajan and Hagman) have all been fired or traded immediately following losses to the Canucks.

I’d say it’s time to chase a couple ‘Habs out of town wouldn’t you?

Heads up, Carey.

After all the controversy and shenanigans that has followed Carey Price in his young career in Montreal, wouldn’t it be nice to do him a favour and send him off to another city? I honestly feel like Price could become a solid #1 in another city, the pressure of living in a fishbowl in Montreal was too much, can you really blame him? Losing doesn’t bode well with home town fans, and the man between the pipes is often at the top of the blame list.

But enough about the troubles of playing in Montreal, two points is up for grabs right now, that’s been the focus all year for the Canucks, and has been one of the reasons I think the Canucks have been consistently improving this year. Focus.

To most NHL teams, an incident like the Stephane Auger/Alex Burrows confrontation would be a recipe for disaster, however since that infamous game in early January the Canucks are 7-1, losing their only game in that stretch two days after the incident while the media circus was still in full swing. Hell of a turnaround from the guys, especially Burrows himself.

A red hot top line also helps too.

In their last five games, the Sedin Sedin Burrows line is a plus 23, combining for 26 points over that span. Three players averaging more than five points per game between them, wow. It’s no wonder the Sedins have gone from a west coast secret to the league’s new darlings. I can’t be the only one who thinks it is hilarious that #1 enemy of the state Alex Burrows is playing on a top line with the Sedin Twins, who are two of the quietest and cleanest hockey players the NHL has been able to market in years. Except for that #78 guy, what’s his name, Sidney something?

So while the Sedin twins and Burrows continue their scoring streak of late, the rest of the Canuck team has also been extremely effective during this recent winning streak. Mikael Samuelsson has been huge since he was snubbed off of the Swedish Olympic Team and told team management they can “go [Gretzky] themselves”. His line mates, Ryan Kesler and Mason Raymond have also been solid recently. Kesler has six points in his last five, posting a +9. Raymond quietly put up 6 points and a plus 3.

*For the un-initiated, any use of Wayne Gretzky’s name or any part of his name used in square brackets is meant to hide colourful language. The stronger the word, the closer to the Great One’s full name, you get the picture.

While all of these players have contributed impressively to the Canucks recent success, a few names that are often left out of the conversation must also be mentioned.

Since Vancouver’s top three defensemen have all gone down to injury, the transition of call-ups Nolan Baumgartner, Aaron Rome and Brad Lukowich has been seamless. All three players have contributed significant minutes, often around 15 minutes of ice time a game, very impressive for players straight from the AHL. These guys aren’t playing garbage minutes either, without Mitchell, Salo and Bieksa the Canucks rolled all six defensemen generously, allowing everyone to get into the flow of the game play confidently. Give Alain Vigneault huge credit for having confidence in these guys, as well as the players themselves for stepping up big. Way to work guys.

Tough break for Baumer, he will be replaced by a healthy Sami Salo tonight. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is called up again sometime soon, he was fantastic. His play sure makes me feel good about the Canucks’ organizational depth at defence, which could be huge down the stretch. Lukowich and Rome will hold down the third defensive pairing tonight.

It’s a big game for the Canucks tonight as they look to build on the last 40 minutes of the Hockey Day in Canada matchup against the Leafs. Look for the Canucks to have a sharp opening 20, correcting an awful start that almost lost the game in Toronto. It’s Pay Per View tonight, so pile into the bar or order the game with friends and enjoy, here’s hoping the Canucks take it to the ‘Habs, I can’t get enough of it.

News, Notes and Injuries

• Ryan Johnson will join the line-up again tonight on the 4^th line, taking back his spot from Tanner Glass who will likely be a healthy scratch tonight.
• As mentioned above, Sami Salo is back in, Nolan Baumgartner is out.
• Willie Mitchell is still out with an “upper body injury” as per Canucks.com. However I’ve heard it could be a back injury, or possibly concussion, time will tell.
• Kevin Bieksa is of course out indefinitely with an Ankle laceration.
• The new Canucks desktop Wallpapers are up for February, featuring six different wallpapers, one for each of the Canucks Olympic athletes (The Sedins shared theirs). Very cool stuff from the Canucks multimedia guys. As for me, I’m rolling with Louie.
• Tonight also marks the first meeting of Rick Rypien and Hal Gill since their epic “David vs. Goliath” fight in October. I don’t think there is a single hockey fan on this earth who wouldn’t want to see Rypien vs. Gill round two. Please Hockey Gods, make it so!

Until tonight, this should hold you over.

        

The Canucks were out to prove that unlike last year’s frustrating playoff losses to the Blackhawks, they can beat the elite teams in the NHL, even if their record doesn’t land them in the same territory.

They didn’t even need their top three defensemen to do it.

In back to back Saturday nights under CBC’s spotlight the Vancouver Canucks have put up two of their best performances of the year, beating the Penguins and Blackhawk’s in commanding 6-2 and 5-1 victories.

The Canucks have been victims of playing down to the level of their opponent in the past, but as friends of mine have pointed out; the Canucks’ most infamous characteristic has become a double edged sword.

In December and January the Canucks have inherited Rick Rypien’s David vs. Goliath determination, toppling the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Chicago Blackhawks, proving that both the Canucks and Rypien are not to be ignored this season.

Ryan Kesler said it before the game even started “I feel we’re up there with these teams,” and he was a man possessed last night. His effort on the first goal of the game was outstanding; he forced the puck into the slot after ringing one low off the post, setting up Mikael Samuelsson. I cringed when I saw Samuelsson awkwardly try and force the forehand shot home after it was poked out front by Kesler, however just as Samuelsson is proving team Sweden management wrong, he did the same to me proving he could bury the golden opportunity to open the game. At least he didn’t tell me to go #%@$ myself.

The Canucks wouldn’t wait long to continue the scoring, Henrik Sedin potted his 22^nd of the year on a great one man effort, poking home the puck after he created a scramble in front of Antti Niemi. Minutes later, Stone Cold Steve Bernier lifted a backhand rebound past Niemi to make it 3-0.

After the intermission, the ‘Hawks changed netminders, however it wouldn’t save the game, the Canucks slowed the tempo of the second period down and choked the life out of the high powered ‘Hawks in the second.

In the third, the Blackhawks continued to press the Canucks wave after wave, but Luongo was not about to allow another third period collapse doom the Canucks. The captain made 43 saves to lead the Canucks to another solid victory; his mastery in goal is hard to describe when he’s really on fire, so I will allow Louie to do it himself.

Yeah, he’s kind of good.

A solid game from the Canucks, I really love that the boys in blue and green are icing huge games against some of the best the NHL has to offer, these games should seem easier come playoff time.

The big games continue for the Canucks, the Buffalo Ryan Millers Sabres are in town tomorrow night to test the hot Canucks once again.

It’s been a slow start for the Canucks, however since the Christmas break the Canucks have won 10 of their last 14 games and have 22 points out of a possible 28. That’s a pretty good response from the team that dropped games to both of the Eastern and Western Conferences worst teams in December.

22 points out of a possible 28, that’s the way to get the job done and move up in the standings. Playing solid hockey is one thing, but cashing in on the points is most important right now.

Speaking of points, Henrik continues to reign supreme among the NHL’s top scorers, extending his lead last night, four points ahead of Alexander Ovechkin at 74. Ovechkin leads the league in plus minus at +30, however several Canucks including both Sedin twins are near the top too.

Alex Burrows +25, Christian Ehrhoff, +24, Daniel Sedin, +21 (IN ONLY 33 GAMES!), Sami Salo +15, Shane O’Brien +14. Hell of a list; proves the Canucks have really bought into playing solid hockey in both ends of the rink.

Shane O’Brien may be playing the best hockey he’s ever played in his life, and I can’t get enough of it. He’s really coming into his own as a tough, rugged, smart NHL defenseman. It’s a small sample space but if he keeps this up Shaner may become one of my favourite Canucks.

It’s guys like O’Brien who are the unsung heroes of the team, stepping up and playing big minutes while Salo, Mitchell and Bieksa are out is a huge lift to the team. Nolan Baumgartner, Aaron Rome and Brad Lukowich all stepped up big last night as well, all playing over around fifteen minutes. Way to work guys.

Injuries, News and Notes

• Sami Salo and Willie Mitchell are both day-to-day with groin and back injuries, but both should be back in the next week. Kevin Bieksa of course will be out indefinitely with another leg laceration.
• Rick Rypien has missed the last two games with what is believed to be the flu, consider him day-to-day if that is true.
• Alex Burrows continued his points streak to 11 games, he seems unstoppable right now. I’m sure Ryan Miller will have something to say about that.
• Canucks and Sabres tomorrow at 7, word is the green men will grace GM Place with their presence again, love it.

        

So $2500 later, Alex Burrows is back to being a regular NHL player again, well – sort of.

The amount of attention Burrows has received this week after calling out referee Stephane Auger in interviews following Monday’s game against the Predators has been amazing.

Almost too much attention, it seems.

Burrows’ comments regarding Auger and his alleged comments before the game on Monday have caused all types of media to comment on the situation. A Facebook group titled “Stephane Auger Should Be Fired From The NHL” has been created, and embarrassingly, has amassed just over 2200 fans. Based on the words of a hometown hero, 2200 people believe a man should lose his job. Slowly I start to understand why Canucks fans get a bad reputation.

Our passion is unmatched, however passion can move in both positive and negative ways. 2200 people joining a group that’s only purpose is to fire someone, based on comments made by Alex Burrows; that’s a problem. 18,000+ passionately waving towels to honour the ’82 Canucks and the late great Roger Neilson, that’s awesome.

However, overzealous Canucks fans are not the only ones reacting wrongly to the whole situation.

Enter, Damien Cox. It’s ridiculous to expect the media to pass on something as juicy as Burrows’ allegations. However, I assumed Burrows would be given the benefit of the doubt in regards to what Auger really said, since only two men really know the truth. I guessed wrong.

After news came out that Alex Burrows would be fined, Auger would be talked to, and that the matter would be closed, apparently a green light was turned on somewhere to commence the Burrows bashing. Damien Cox decided hey, screw it, why not bash some of the other Canucks, and the whole province of BC while I’m at it, and away he went.

“Funny how people are so ready to believe Alex Burrows, and so ready to assume Stephane Auger essentially cheated the Vancouver Canucks.

Come to think of it, funny how it’s always the Canucks screaming outrage about something. Unless, of course, its a Vancouver fan shining a laser into the face of an opposing goalie. Then, in the words of Alain Vigneault, they’re just “great fans.”

65 words, and all of a sudden all Canucks fans are hard done by, laser-pointer wielding lunatics who only wear Canucks jerseys to cover the “I love Burrows” tattoos. Yepp, bang on.

And he was just getting warmed up…

“They sure get unhinged in a hurry over hockey in Vancouver. Geez, years later, you can still get folks all up in a lather over the Bertuzzi-Moore incident, claiming Steve Moore deserved what he got and how he faked his injuries, etc.

Never much moderation out of B.C. when it comes to these things.

Just last summer, Canucks GM Mike Gillis accused the Leafs not once but twice of illegally meddling in Vancouver team business. The NHL essentially laughed and went on to other business.”

Vancouver gets unhinged in a hurry? Yes, when we feel we’ve lost a game because we’ve been cheated by an official, we get upset. And yes, you’re right; most Canucks fans do believe Burrows, nothing wrong with that. Only two men on this earth were involved in the conversation before Monday’s game, and I believe the hard working NHL player over the NHL referee with a past of controversy. No big deal, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, except for British Columbians I guess. Oh my mistake.

It’s actually quite impressive Cox was able to make such an interesting comparison between the Canucks tampering allegations against the Leafs and the allegations of Burrows, they are very similar. They were both barking up the wrong tree, attacking the big players in the NHL and are getting swept under the rug.

The Canucks accused the biggest money maker in the NHL of tampering and they “laughed and went on to other business”. Power corrupts.

Now that Alex Burrows has accused Stephane Auger of “getting him back” he too is being swept under the rug, $2500 later. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

And Damien wasn’t done there either; he hadn’t quite hit everyone on the west coast juuuuuuuust yet.

“For starters, how do we know Burrows is telling the truth?

There’s absolutely no corroboration of his story. What we do know is that he’s a known dive artist and agitator who is more than happy to fake an injury or a foul if it draws a penalty against an opponent. He believes referees are there to buy into his various cons and acting jobs.

He’s a pretty good hockey player, too. It’s just that the nonsense sometimes overshadows the ability, just like his teammate, Ryan Kesler.

Auger? Solid, not spectacular ref. Not one of the NHL’s best, but solid. To be honest, most nights I couldn’t tell you who the referees are any more. It’s just not a big factor to me.”

Truth? Truth is a funny word. We don’t “know” the truth about Burrows or Auger, but thanks very much for enlightening the world regarding the truth about Burrows’ play. I’m sure he runs around the ice focusing on what referee he can trick next. In fact, now that I’ve had such an epiphany I don’t think I like Alex Burrows, better go get that tattoo removed quickly.

How is it that Cox speaks about the truth like it’s as sacred as the bible, but then turns around and peddles his opinion of Burrows’ as the truth. Not only as the truth, but apparently a truth known by everyone “we do know” (emphasis mine) that he’s a “known dive artist and agitator who is more than happy to fake an injury or foul”. I’ve had words put in my mouth before, but Cox really slams it in there doesn’t he.

I KNOW Alex Burrows is a decent hockey player, not the most squeaky clean player in the whole league, but its hockey, a contact sport, and in the heat of battle things get intense. I know Burrows has done some things I’m not proud of.  He’s not perfect, but the same can be said about Auger’s officiating. He’s no saint either. Yet somehow Cox passes Burrows off as a known dive artist, and Auger as “solid”. I don’t get it.

However, what I do “get” is that throwing Ryan Kesler into a story for the sole purpose of bashing him, is a damn cheap shot. Cox provides no basis for this attack. This is much worse than any cheap shot either Kesler or Burrows has attempted on the ice, which must be saying something fairly significant since you believe they are such immoral players.

So what have we learned after all these shenanigans?

To be honest, not much. The NHL didn’t budge at all, the matter was privately investigated and closed. Other than the game itself, the interaction between referees and players will continue to be a secret to the public, allowing whatever happens to continue to occur, for right or for wrong. The truth is out there somewhere, but fans may never know. I guess both Burrows and NHL fans lose this round.

Battle lines have been drawn, those who love Burrows will continue to enjoy his play for the same reasons they always have. Those who disagree with his playing style will continue to do so, hopefully without ruining his reputation and the reputations of his teammates in the process.

Update 10:38 AM – Colin Campbell spoke out on Fan 590 in Toronto in regards to what Auger said to Burrows, and why no further action was taken against Auger.

        

“ I feel like some refs come into the building and do a great job…Some other refs like Auger tonight take it personal, he comes into the game and he knows he’s going to make a call against me and give Nashville an advantage, and I don’t think that’s fair for my teammates or the fans.”

That was Alex Burrows, interviewed from the bike last night after a crushing and questionably officiated game against the Nashville Predators. Burrows alleged referee Stephane Auger had personally targeted him last night in order to get even with Burrows after the Canuck skater made Auger look bad on a boarding call made in favour of Burrows just over a month earlier against the Predators on December 8th.

Burrows was hit by Smithson into the glass, and Smithson received a game misconduct for charging Burrows, however Burrows went on to skate on his normal shift, allegedly frustrating Auger to the point that he would build a personal vendetta with Burrows so intense that he would eventually change the outcome of the game last night by calling a penalty on Burrows, ending the Canucks late power play and effectively putting the game in the hands of the Nashville Predators.

Burrows, obviously choked up, later elaborated on a conversation he had with Auger before the game “Smithson hit me from sideways and he said ‘I saw the replay you got your head up, you weren’t really hurt, and you made me look bad so I’m going to get you back tonight’ , and he did and it cost us two points”

To add to the drama, Auger did in fact have a quick chat with Burrows before the game. While it’s not clear at all what they are talking about, I’m sure they weren’t talking about the how excited they both were for the new How I Met Your Mother episode.

“Let’s say we miss playoffs by one point at the end of the year, that might be the game that will cost us the playoffs so it’s important” – Alex Burrows

Now, I will be honest, I have never thought Alex Burrows was the smartest NHL player in the world, in fact, he’s probably not the smartest player on the Canucks. However, the quote directly above is the smartest thing a hockey player could have said. He’s not mad at Auger directly, he’s not making it personal about his playing style, he’s not even worrying about the calls, he’s being professional. NHL players are professional athletes, paid to win hockey games or points, and eventually win the Stanley cup. Stephane Auger allegedly got in the way of Alex Burrows doing his job, and I commend Burrows for stepping up, calling a spade a spade, and pointing out Auger.

As well as the possible playoff implications, the NHL needs to handle the situation very carefully in order to re-insure fans that the rules of the game are enforced fairly by professionals. NHL referees have had relatively clean status’ as professional referee’s while other leagues have had some issues, however the playoff implications of the game and associated points are much more important than a certain questionable referee with a history of controversy.

Wait, What? There was actually a game last night?

Almost forgotten in all this mess is the fact that there was a hockey game played for two points last night, when all is said and done the Predators beat the Canucks 3-2.

The game itself, was an ugly defensive affair, scarred by a final twenty minutes that was a parade to the penalty box, killing any flow in the game and ultimately making it pretty hard to watch. Six minor penalties were called in the 3^rd, 5-1 against the Canucks. Not exactly an even spread.

I don’t really know how to approach the game, in my eyes the result is still tainted, so how do you judge a hollow forty minutes?

In all honestly, I can’t figure out the Canucks when they play the Predators. They play great, smash the Predators and look like the Canucks I know and love, or they play terribly, allow the Predators to take advantage of them, and lose two points.

The Canucks need to play with intensity and grit, allowing them to find results like they had on December 22^nd against the Canucks. The Canucks allowed the game to allegedly be decided by the referees because they hadn’t decided it themselves, if it’s 4-2 for the Canucks and Burrows gets an extra call because Auger doesn’t like him, who cares.

Injuries, News and Notes Special: Dan Ellis Edition

• The Canucks move on to the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday, hopefully with a roster that includes Burrows. Check back here for any updates.
• Steve Bernier, who missed last night’s game with a groin injury, is listed as day-to-day.
• Ryan Johnson and Aaron Rome are also day-to-day with foot and head injuries.
• There was still more fallout on TSN today after the laser-pointer incident at GM place the other night, it’s amazing that one drunken idiot has received so much attention.

“Hey henrik sedin…stop trying to ride me like a horse…I am not into guys”  - Dan Ellis

That’s probably the type of comedy you would expect from a beer league goalie, who’s about 8 beers deep, late in the third, frustrated after getting blown out. Instead, it’s a gem from the verified Twitter account of Predators goalie Dan Ellis. I’ll assume he wasn’t drunk, so my previous expectations are only half correct I guess.

Dan Ellis should be flattered Henrik Sedin, the NHL scoring leader (Has a ring to it, doesn’t it?)  would chose to spend those precious few seconds between face-offs with him in the crease. Henrik spends enough time with Ellis already, to be honest. Maybe Ellis just isn’t comfortable with a guy who’s around so often, I mean I would get worried too – Henrik has 4 points in his last two games against Ellis, he’s obviously spending too much time in Ellis’ crease! It’s not like there’s a lot of physical contact in hockey either, why would the two ever have to touch each other?

All sarcasm aside, Ellis really needs to take a page out of Luongo’s book and keep it quiet. Luongo, after the loss last night (and a series of terrible calls against the Canucks) had this to say “I’m not the type of guy to make excuses, that’s not the who I am, but I’ve never seen anything like it in my whole career it’s the first time I’ve seen calls like that, especially with goals on the line.”

Every player would love to take a good crack at the ref’s during the post game interview or via some other public forum, but they don’t, they’re professionals. “Bad Referee” jokes are some of the easiest to make, but you don’t see Henrik Sedin going out there and making sexual jokes about the ref blowing calls, or any of that childish non-sense usually reserved for teenagers playing intramural hockey. As a player only in his third year in the NHL, I would have thought a bit of humility would still be with you Dan, but I guess you’ve been jaded by the microscope that is playing hockey in Nashville, my mistake.

So, expect the crease to be even more crowded next game Mr. Ellis, maybe even a threesome, with Swedish twins! I’ll let you imagine your own hilarious punch-line, since you have so nicely shared your talent on Twitter, I’m sure you will have a field day, is 140 characters even enough space to express such comedic joy with words like rubber, crease, twins, score and many more at your disposal?

Now That I’m Angry…

• How mad are you, Canucks fans, that the Canucks got ripped off last night, how much worse do you feel because it’s a personal attack on Burrows, not just a bad call?
• How do you feel about Burrows and how the situation was handled?
• What should the NHL do about all this mess?

BONUS

• What’s the best immature Dan Ellis joke you can come up with? Leave one in the comments section. Best response gets used in next Canucks vs. Predators article.

        

It was everything a battle for the Northwest Division lead is supposed to be, and then some.

The Canucks and Flames battled over 1^st place in the Northwest Division last night, and neither team was willing to give up an inch of ice to their opposition.

Rick Rypien and Brandon Prust fought twice in two long, spirited, tilt, and when they kept their gloves on the rest of the Canucks and Flames did battle, throwing hit after hit in a fierce battle at GM place.

Renee Bourque opened the scoring half way through the first period, as he straight up beat Shane O’Brien wide on the rush and lifted one up past Luongo.  O’Brien looked like his “old” self last night, taking four minutes in minor penalties and getting beat for the goal, surely a game Shane would like to forget. O’Brien has been playing some of his best hockey lately; hopefully last night was just a minor hiccup to begin a consistent second half of the season.

Speaking of playing well lately, Mikael “$&#% themselves” Samuelsson continued his streak of solid play, netting his 15^th of the year off of an attempted wrap around by Mason Raymond, who also has been on his ‘A’ game since Christmas.

In the second period, the Canucks top line of Sedin, Sedin and Burrows had some magic in store on the rush, Christian Ehrhoff sent Henrik Sedin in alone on a partial break against Miikka Kiprusoff, but Henrik elected to bait the first defender rushing to catch him, leaving the puck and a gaping cage to his brother Daniel, who simply buried the puck as if both brothers knew how the play would end. While being twins sure helps, the chemistry and playmaking between the twins is unbelievable at times.

Five minutes later, the Flames surprised not only the Canucks, but the CBC crew and myself as well, scoring at 9:54 of the 2^nd before CBC could finish its piece on Glen Hanlon, and before I could get back to the couch from the fridge. Don’t you hate when that happens? Jamie Lundmark put a faceoff deflection on net which found its way through Luongo’s pads. Not a good goal for Luongo, especially up a goal in such a tight game.

The Canucks carried momentum throughout the rest of the 2^nd period, but were unable to turn their energy into any goals. Daniel Sedin was robbed by Kiprusoff on the power play late in the 2^nd, another potential Canucks’ game winner stolen by Miika Kiprusoff, are the Canucks as tired of getting robbed by Kiprusoff as I am tired of watching him rob them game after game?

The third period was 20 minutes of pure hockey war, both teams brought tough hits and intense forechecking, but were both unable to find the back of the net and put the game away. In overtime, both teams seemed to sit back and wait for the shootout, I wish they hadn’t.

A penalty shot is one of the most exciting plays in hockey, the shootout however makes me want to puke. 65 minutes of hard fought hockey, and the game (and a vital extra point) is going to be decided by a shootout? A manufactured scoring system used in order to end games early, so that broadcasters don’t have to push back another episode of Coronation Street? Gross. It is so wrong to end a game as intense as last night’s with a shootout, think Rick Rypien and Brandon Prust wanted to fight TWICE just so the game could be decided on a glorified skills competition? . Thank Gordie that come April, the games will be decided that right way.

Long story short, the Canucks fell 3-2 in a shootout and I don’t like it. All I will say about it is that Luongo has got to stop at least one of the three shots he faces in order to help this team win the skills competition shootout. Loser points, appropriately named, are for losers. The Canucks don’t need any more of them.

It’s only fitting that I go from the shootout to the fan idiot with the laser pointer at the game last night. The only thing more disgusting about the shootout last night was the dumbass sitting in the front row with a green laser pointer trained on Miika Kiprusoff’s head. I am all for team spirit, dressing up in team colours, wearing green jumpsuits, yelling at opposing players, chanting opposing goaltender’s names, it’s all good times and I’m all for supporting the home team (or the away team, if you’re brave enough)and I commend those who go to such lengths to support the Canucks.

However…

IN NO WAY SHOULD A FAN USE A WHISTLE, LASER POINTER, OR ANY OTHER DEVICE TO INFLUENCE THE DIRECT OUTCOME OF A SPORTS GAME. EVER. Even if it is against the evil Flames. These laser pointer shenanigans are just another episode of Canucks fans gone wrong, and it shouldn’t be allowed to happen. That clown should have been beat up or tossed out by the first REAL Canucks fan or GM Place security guard who saw the laser. This individual can be added to the list of garbage hurling idiots who were at game 5 last year against the Blackhawks, you’re not welcome back.

Canucks Fans: Our passion is rarely rivalled by other fans in the NHL; let’s keep it that way with positive support of our team, not like the cheap trick attempted at GM Place on Saturday. Never throw anything on the ice either. Unless it’s a teddy bear for a fundraiser, or a hat to salute a three goal scorer, just keep it to yourself.

I’m honestly at peace with the Canucks shootout loss because we deserved it, the shootout is a coin toss, and we lost. The hockey gods flipped a coin; on one side was a laser pointer wielding idiot, the other, Jamie Lundmark. Guess which side landed up.

As mentioned earlier, Rick Rypien and Brandon Prust had two beauties last night, dropping the gloves twice in one of the most intense, spirited games of the season from the Canucks and Flames. Here are both fights in all their glory.

The first fight of the night, I thought Rypien won the fight early and late, but Prust did have a good rally in the middle, however I thought it was mostly built upon Rypien vulnerability after getting up off the ice after slipping. The votes are split 42% Rypien, 40 % Prust at hockeyfights.com.

The second fight of the night between these two, Rypien holds 55% of the votes over at hockeyfights.com in this one.

Injuries, News and Notes

• Evan Oberg has been re-assigned to Manitoba; Sami Salo should be ready to play on Monday against the Predators.
• Aaron Rome is still day-to-day with a head injury suffered on a hit from Taylor Pyatt on Thursday.
• Ryan Johnson and Pavol Demitra are still out, however Demitra has been skating with the team and is slowly progressing towards a return.
• The Canucks are 5^th in the Western Conference after last night at 56 points, The Blackhawks lead the West with 66 and the Red Wings are just outside a playoff spot with 52.

        

It feels like writing a eulogy, I’m distraught, I don’t know what to say, but this isn’t writers block, its heartbreak. The gold medal streak is dead, I hate this feeling. W.H. Auden wrote it best…

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Down 5-3 in the third period, Jordan Eberle lead Canada to another epic two goal comeback to push the game to overtime, but in this episode of the Canada vs. USA rivalry, Canada would not survive OT.

Early in the twenty minute 4 on 4 overtime period, Alex Pietrangelo jumped up in the rush and ripped a slap shot towards the American goal, the shot was kicked wide by USA keeper Jack Campbell, creating a 2 on 1 in the Canadian zone.

Did Canada forget it was 4 on 4? Did we think that we would score on one of the first shots of Overtime? Who knows, but it’s all too late to question.

On that 2 on 1, John Carlson skated up the ice, checked if the pass was available and opted to shoot, and it was a good decision for the young American. Just as they had done so many times before, the USA team attacked the top half of the net, burying a wrist shot top corner, earning the gold medal and ending the Canadian streak at five gold medals.

It ends at the drive for five; no sick pack and no chance for the media to salivate over the numerous puns that come with number seven. Lucky number seven, seventh heaven, not any more. Now all Canada will be looking for next year in Buffalo is revenge, and while I hate losing, that is fine with me. Just as the target will be on Canadian players back in Vancouver 2010, next Christmas the pressure will be on the Americans to defend gold at home, and Canada will be ready to avenge their loss next year.

To all those Canadian Canucks fans, Jordan Schroeder played like a pro all tournament, especially against Canada, at least one of our prospects is looking sharp, even if it has to be in spite of a Canadian loss. I’ll be wondering all week how the tournament would have gone with a healthy Cody Hodgson in the tournament, or a healthy Travis Hamonic in the gold medal game.

Canucks Dominate Blue Jackets

If you told me yesterday that only one of my two teams could win their game Tuesday night, I would have had to say I would prefer a Canadian victory. There is only one gold medal game; we’ll play the Blue Jackets again over the course of the season.

After being devastated by John Carlson in the Canada vs. USA final, the Canucks didn’t seem to be helping me out, down 2-0 it looked like a hockey nightmare – not so fast hockey fans.

It’s obvious that Rick Rypien gets the Vanstone stamp of approval, but that is usually because of his bare fists. Last night, Rypien gets a big stick tap by starting the comeback for the Canucks with a slapshot he ripped past Steve Mason just 41 seconds after the BJ’s took a two goal lead. That’s the type of goal you love to see from a 4^th line player.

After Rypien got the team back into it, the first line took over and never looked back. Two goals by Alex Burrows, both assisted by the Sedin twins rounded out the 1^st period for the Canucks, regaining the lead. It was all Canucks after that point, Sedin, Salo and Mikael “$#&% themselves” Samuelsson all added second period goals to head into the third 6-3.

A three goal lead is usually a pretty comfortable lead, and the Canucks traditionally would sit back and defend a lead, and when three ahead, it’s a very smart decision. So when Alex Burrows and Ryan Kesler streaked up ice shorthanded only five minutes into the third period, I was very sceptical.

Shame on me for ever questioning these two.

Alex Burrows fed a pass over to Kesler and drove back door, where Kesler placed a perfect pass that Burrows nicely tapped into a gaping cage, solidifying a solid Canucks victory, and capping off only the second hat trick of Burrows’ career.

Great game all around for the Canucks, assuming of course that the “game” started just over seven minutes after the clock started counting down. Very nice of them to let the Jackets skate alone for so long.

Injuries, News and Notes

• Kevin Bieksa is of course, out for a while. Going to be months for Bieksa, hopefully a nice return just before playoff time to give the Canucks a little boost down the stretch.
• Ryan Johnson is still day to day with a foot injury.
• Pavol Demitra is skating with the team again, but hasn’t been cleared for contact yet. It will be very interesting to see where Demitra fits into the line-up, although his spot will mostly depend on how he performs when he returns.
• After last night’s game Christian Ehrhoff is the NHL’s plus/minus leader, good times.
• Ehrhoff isn’t the only Canuck on top of the NHL leader boards; Henrik Sedin is tied for 1^st in the NHL scoring lead. More good times.
• The Phoenix Coyotes come to town on Thursday night, I’m hoping the recently high powered Canucks offense shows up, I hate how games between Vigneault and Tippet become defensive wars of attrition. Worst comes to worst and tomorrow night is a defensive struggle, just win baby.

        

New Years Eve: My roommate and I set up two TVs to watch both the Vancouver Canucks and Canada’s World Junior Team rally to win their New Years’ Eve matchups, drinks are poured, goals are celebrated and the rest is history.

When we first sat down to watch the Canada vs. USA World Junior game and Vancouver Canucks vs. St. Louis Blues game, my roommate and I decided it would be a good idea to throw a drinking game into the mix of our pre-party entertainment, so six Canucks and six Canadians later, we both had drafted our one day, one game fantasy hockey team, destined to make our opponents drink – A lot. Game over.

Long story short, Team Canada’s epic comeback victory over the United States and the Canucks overtime win over the St. Louis Blues combined became one of the best days of hockey I’ve ever watched, setting the tone for an unreal night on the town.

I’ll do my best to recap the excitement, and set up another epic double header on Tuesday.

Rick Rypien started off the festivities with a beat down of his own on Thursday, Rypien went to work on Cam Janssen in a fight that had everything, including a bit of controversy. Rypien jumped into the fight with both feet launching himself at Janssen and proceeded to throw huge rights and lefts at Janssen, which left Janssen with a bloody and bruised face that was simply described as “the legend of Rick Rypien” by John Shorthouse.

Rypien was given a match penalty for having his hand taped up, which is indeed against NHL rules. However I can’t believe the tape job was put on for specific fighting purposes, since it wasn’t over any knuckles and was below the thumb. I don’t want to get into more arguments over the legality of tape, MMA type fighting styles and other nonsense, Rypien can take on anyone tape or no tape, that’s all I care about.

After the big fight, the Canucks left a lot on the ice, allowing the blues to take a 3-1 lead into the third period, could it be another disappointing effort against the Blues?

Meanwhile, Canada was also toying with my emotions, allowing two shorthanded goals in the second period to the Americans and giving up an early third period goal to go down two goals. With ten minutes left in the World Junior tilt, and third period just about to start in St. Louis, both of my teams were down by two and looking for heroics, they would deliver.

Five minutes into the first period, Mikael “#$@# themselves” Samuelsson scored to bring the Canucks within striking distance, down one. Thanks to glorious digital PVR, Jordan Eberle who is no stranger to heroics; had some of his own in store. Eberle brought Canada within a goal with ten minutes remaining, and the comeback was on.

Down a goal in both games, my year could have started out as a heartbreaker, or a glorious opening ceremony to a year full of epic hockey games, thank Gordie the latter prevailed.

Revenge is a dish best served cold, hockey is no exception, and revenge on the ice is always cold and always satisfying. Down a goal and shorthanded because of two American short-handed goals, Alex Pietrangelo’s shorthanded goal at 15:45 is up there for me as one of the most clutch Canadian World Junior moments ever, and there was still time left on the clock.  Tie game, Canada 4 – USA 4.

Minutes later, the professional’s also proved to me they can still pull off the comeback, Henrik Sedin’s shot from his brother Daniel at 18:04 saved the Canucks from another deflating loss to the Blues, and gave us a chance in overtime.

Two TV’s, two games, two overtime periods, two roommates ringing in the new year in style.

The Canada vs. USA Overtime started, and I was on the edge of my seat for all ten minutes, trying to somehow cheer on the Canadians to victory from the other side of my TV set. No dice. Overtime left me without a winner, and another epic shootout with the Americans was to come.

Meanwhile in the NHL, the Canucks seemed to be driven to end the game the way it is meant to, with a real goal. After the Canucks drew a double minor for high sticking in overtime, Christian Ehrhoff took the game into his own hands and ripped a slapshot past Chris Mason, solidifying a full comeback from the Canucks, an especially impressive victory considering the amount of heat the Canucks have been taking lately for a lack of determination late in games, even if it was just to get the “loser” point. The Canucks and Canadians both seemed driven to avoid that “loser” point and win both games; I love the heart in both these teams.

Canada and the USA are no strangers to World Junior shootouts, the epic 2007 battle between the Americans and Canadians was a huge moment for Hockey Canada, Carey Price and of course, Jonathan Toews. Due to the interesting shootout rules in the IIHF, after three shots a shooter can take as many shootout attempts as he likes, and why not? When you have someone as clutch as Jonathan Toews on your bench, you let him shoot all night.

In the 2010 edition of the Canada vs. USA rivalry, almost every shooter was ready to clutch up for his team and bury in the shootout. Eberle, Kristo, Kadri, Morin, and Kozun all gave the goalies no chance, scoring for their teams to leave the game on the stick of Jordan Schroeder.
Note: I love Jordan Schroeder as a Canucks draft pick, and as a skilled hockey player. Once he puts on that USA jersey, he no longer exists to me.

As he skated down the ice, I just had the feeling it had to happen; Jake Allen had to stop him. The same feeling I had when Jonathan Toews kept skating out to shoot in 2007, it was the same script, and I can’t get enough of it.

Schroeder skated in and fired five hole on Canada’s Jake Allen, but Allen was quick to shut the door and stop Schroeder and the Americans from taking a trip to the semi-finals. From then on, it was a celebration all across Canada, anywhere there is a hometown player on that Canadian team had a party in his honour, I’m sure of it.

A relatively simple game against the Swiss, and a sneaky early morning Canucks game against Dallas later, and another huge day of hockey is ahead of us. The Vancouver Canucks face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets at 7PM and Team Canada takes on Team USA again for Gold at the World Juniors at 5PM.

The Vancouver Canucks invite Columbus into GM place fresh off the heels of learning Kevin Bieksa may be out 3-4 months with several lacerations in his ankle. Ryan Johnson will also still be out after fracturing his foot; he has missed the last five games.

The more devastating injury is to Travis Hamonic, part of the shutdown pairing for Team Canada. He was hit into the boards late into the Canadian semi-final against the Swiss, ending his tournament. Alex Pietrangelo will replace Hamonic on the shutdown pairing and the struggling Jared Cowen will attempt to bounce back from a poor game against the Americans tomorrow night.

It’s going to be another exciting night tomorrow, with two games to watch the PVR will be working overtime in order to cover both games. I’m torn whose gear I should wear tomorrow, but I think the red and white maple leaf will be on my chest around campus.

Enjoy the games tomorrow.

        

Heading into tonight’s game against the Oilers, the Canucks had proven to be a tough team to figure out, forget putting any money on these guys.

The Canucks started the month of December 2 and 2 on the road, beating the Devils and Flyers but ending the trip with two terrible performances against the Hurricanes and Predators.  One night they dominate the best team in the league, and three nights later they lay a complete egg against the worst team in the East.

Back at the garage, the Canucks continued their swings of highs and lows, winning three in a row, including a 3-1 contest against the Conference leading Kings, followed, of course, by a terrible effort against the Conference worst Anaheim Ducks.

The unpredictable Canucks continued to baffle fans by putting up a strong performance to beat the high powered Capitals only to turn around and again play down to their opponent, letting the St. Louis Blues take advantage of a lethargic Canucks squad two nights later.

The roller coaster ride continued against the red hot Predators, just when the Canucks looked like they would be blown out, they put up one of the best performances of the year against Nashville.

Naturally, when the struggling Oilers were next on the schedule, I assumed another lazy, lack-lustre performance against a lesser opponent was coming from the Canucks. Wrong – just when I thought I had the Canucks figured out, they snapped out of it. Merry Christmas.

Santa must have been good to the Canucks; I don’t know how you deliver consistency as a Christmas present, but the big guy in the red suit is one magical man. Fresh off a three day Christmas break, the Canucks took advantage of sloppy penalties and poor penalty killing by the Oilers, and made them pay in a convincing 4-1 victory. Normally I would bet the Canucks would dominate any team on a five game losing streak, but the unpredictability of the Canucks has left me bamboozled.

The Sedins continued their impressive scoring stretch with five points between the twins. Ryan Kesler also continued his strong play, battling through a tough knee on knee hit and a blocked shot off the stick of Sheldon Souray to score the eventual game winner. Christian Ehrhoff’s insurance goal in the third was a beauty as well; he seemed to hear Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson mention his scoring drought and responded with a beautiful give and go on the rush to restore the two goal lead.

A number of Canucks had solid games tonight, a solid team effort. Roberto Luongo was very strong all night long. If not for an almost impossible shot by Ryan Potulny, Luongo would have had the shutout. While they couldn’t necessarily be found on the score sheet, Mikael Samuelsson, Tanner Glass, and Rick Rypien also had especially good games. Samuelsson’s shot block followed by a drawn penalty on Sheldon Souray killed Edmonton’s momentum in the second; hell of a one man effort.

The Canucks will try and sweep all of Alberta tomorrow night as they take on the Flames in a rare back to back game. It will take a gritty effort from the Canucks, as the Flames have been resting at home over the Christmas break, waiting for the tired Canucks.

News and Notes

• Rick Rypien and Huggy Bear Zack Stortini renewed acquaintances again tonight in a (It kills me to admit this) pretty even tilt. Stortini seemed to be throwing fore-arms instead of real punches, which proves that he is well aware The Pit bull owns him straight up.

Update: Rypien is getting the decision over at hockeyfights.com, which makes me a very happy man.

• Brad Staubitz was the first player to throw MMA style punches in a NHL fight, and I was all for it at the time, so I`m not going to be a hypocrite and bash Stortini for using a different fighting style, but if this trend continues and fighters start using their giant elbow pads as weapons, an extra penalty needs to be accessed.
• Ryan Johnson was held out of the line-up tonight with a sore foot, and is listed as day-to-day, but will not travel with the team.
• Ryan Kesler had a rough night, he took a hard knee on knee hit from Ryan Stone and later blocked a hard slap shot from Sheldon Souray, but battled through to pot the game winner and finish the game.  Alain Vigneault said after the game “I was told he was fine“ in regards to his injury, but Kesler was more than fine tonight – he was a beauty.
• Vigneault also ended any speculation over Roberto Luongo getting a rest tomorrow night,  telling the Media that he will ride Lou`s hot hand again against the Flames.
• For those of you counting along at home, the Canucks record this month is 5 and 1 against teams currently in playoff position, and only 3-3 against teams currently out of playoff position. The Canucks need to stop playing down to lesser opponents in order to move up in the standings and join the elite NHL teams. Head to head they seem to have no trouble playing with the big boys.
• PPV game tomorrow night, so pile into your favourite bar or order it and invite the guys over (and a couple of puck bunnies, of course), It should be a good one. Tired or not, the Canucks shouldn`t have any trouble getting ready for a game against the Flames.

        

As I mentioned earlier this year when I made my pre-season picks, the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team has never been under more pressure to perform. By the same logic, the pressure has never been greater for management to pick the appropriate team to take Canada to Olympic glory in Vancouver. Steve Yzerman, Mike Babcock and the rest of Team Canada management have done most of the work in order to cut the team down “There has been a lot of back and forth, but there has been no real disagreement on players to this point, but we haven’t decided on the final couple spots, I’m a big believer that the players are going to decide these things” said Babcock on Team 1040 earlier this week. So with the roster almost ready to be unveiled, I have made my own picks for the final cut.

In order to win at the Olympic level, I believe Canada cannot be purely made up the top scorers across all four lines, defensively responsible forwards must also be added to ensure that the skill of Russian, Swedish and American top lines can be stopped. The Canadian team must also be carefully constructed in order to fill the locker room with integrity and leadership. Players must have a team first attitude, and be willing to do whatever it takes in order to secure a gold medal. With that in mind, this is the team I would ice in Vancouver.

Nash                                      Crosby                                  Iginla

I don’t think there can be much debate over this top line; all three skaters have proven to be consistent scorers in the NHL and on the international stage. The size of Rick Nash, the vision and finesse of Sidney Crosby, and the grit and leadership of Jerome Iginla can lead the way for Canada.

Heatley                                                Thornton                             Marleau

Line-mates in the NHL on the conference leading San Jose Sharks, the top line of Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley seems to be unstoppable. As the set up man, Thornton leads the NHL in points at 51 and assists at 41. His size, vision and perfect passing have made his line a scoring threat at all times, sending Marleau and Heatley to the top of the NHL scoring race where they sit 2^nd and 4^th overall with 23 and 22 goals respectively. With two lines full of such impressive scoring talent, the top six forwards for Canada will put up big numbers come tournament time in Vancouver.

Perry                                     Getzlaf                                 Stamkos

At 6’4” and 6’3” the Anaheim Ducks duo of Ryan Getzlaf are two of the best power forwards in the league. Throw in the scoring touch of the young and talented Steven Stamkos, and the third line looks just as dangerous as the top two. As a third line, this trio will also be looked towards for scoring, hitting and dominating shifts in the offensive zone, all three stand over 6’1” tall, which will make it tough to move any of these three off the puck. Throw in the mean-streak of Getzlaf and Perry especially, and this line will be extremely tough to play against.

Toews                                   Richards                               Doan

The fourth line for Canada will be looked towards to shut down the skill of oppositions top lines, this trio of forwards  has proven both at the NHL level and on the international stage that they can be counted on the come through for Canada.  All three have been great soldiers for Canada, representing their country at the World Junior Hockey Championships before making the jump to the NHL. Shane Doan has also represented Canada in five straight World Championships, and Jonathan Toews heroics at the World Juniors in 2006-2007 is just a taste of the leadership and clutch play that made him the captain of the Chicago Blackhawks. Richards, at a combined plus 40 over the last three years has proven he is defensively one of the best forwards in the NHL, his penalty killing skills are second to none, and will be looked towards with the game on the line to hold the lead when down a skater.

Pronger                                                Niedermayer

Familiar from their times in Anaheim, Pronger and Niedermayer are two veteran presences on the blue line that will lead Canada to Olympic glory. Pronger has had more than 40 points in 9 consecutive seasons (other than a 5 game, 4 point season in ‘02/’03) and is one of the toughest and most intimidating forces to play against. The smooth skating Niedermayer has four Stanley Cups, two Memorial Cups, and a gold medal at every level of international competition for Canada, his veteran leadership will be a key for Canada.

Keith                                     Bouwmeester

Duncan Keith has been above 30 in both points and plus/minus in the last two seasons, and can move the puck with the best of them, he understands how to man the point and set up skilled players considering the talent he is surrounded by in Chicago. Bouwmeester is a prototypical puck moving defenseman, he was a standout with 7 points in 9 games at the 2002-2003 World Junior Hockey Championships, and has put up more than 37 points in the last four seasons. Did I mention he’s 6’4” and he can hit too?

Green                                   Boyle

While the previous four defenseman can all man a power play with ease, no one can put more points on the board more than Mike Green and Dan Boyle. Mike Green led the NHL last season among defenseman in scoring, including an amazing 31 goals. Boyle, who finished 6^th in defenseman scoring last season is currently 3^rd this season (second among Canadians) and has been a catalyst for the high powered San Jose Sharks offense. Down a goal with the man advantage, Boyle and Green will be looked upon to quarterback the power play and get a goal the team needs.

Brodeur                               Luongo                                Fleury

No question here, these three are the best Canada has to offer. Brodeur and Luongo are #1 and #1a, but I believe both will get a start in the preliminary and pre-tournament rounds in order to determine the starter for the beginning of the tournament.

While the roster spots have been heavily debated, the captaincy is just as tight a race. However I think one player stands above the rest as the best leader of the team not only on the ice and through his play, but through his work ethic, and his dealings with the media. Jerome Iginla would be my Team Canada captain, at 32 years old he is old enough to lead the team and earn the respect of older players, but still young enough to be respected by younger players as well. His intensity and willingness to battle in games is second to none. He can lead Canada to a gold medal on home soil. Assistant captains Scott Niedermayer and Sidney Crosby bring leadership from both a veteran perspective as well as a youthful influence from Sid the kid.

There it is, that’s the team I would like to see hit the ice at GM place and take the hockey world by storm. I’m sure there will be many differences of opinion, so let me know what changes you would make in the comments section, or list off your full team if you so desire.

        

The traditional framework of an NHL team normally consists of 2 lines of scorers, a 3^rd checking/energy line and a 4^th line of fighters, grinders and other specialists. The Canucks are not free from this structure, but seem to be missing the point with the 3^rd and 4^th lines.

After two months of devastating injuries, the Canucks are finally icing what is very close to their full line-up, only Pavol Demitra and Michael Grabner are missing from the forward corps. It’s anyone’s guess when Demitra will actually return healthy, so I will ignore him for now. Grabner however played very well on the second line during his time with the big club, five points in nine games is a pretty good pace for someone that started the season with the Moose.

Kyle Wellwood isn’t injured, but has played like he’s still on the Leafs, and seems to have lost those “Magic Mittens”. Don’t forget Sergei Shirokov either, the prematurely nicknamed “Pocket Russian Rocket” hasn’t been given another chance at the NHL level since being sent back down to Manitoba, but has put up 21 points in 30 games and leads the Moose in scoring.

With all this forward depth, it boggles my mind that “role” players on the Canucks are still hanging around. Yes, I’m looking at you Darcy Hordichuk.

Looking through the Canucks line-up, Hordichuk isn’t the only role player on the roster, but he seems to be the only one without, well, an actual role. Hordichuk was brought in as a fighter, but as he showed against the Ducks….there’s not much fight left in him.

Aside from the occasional mediocre scrap, what else does Hordichuk bring to the table? 22 Games played, 2 points, and a minus 3, something has to change before he finds himself on the waiver wire, and quickly. Hordichuk isn’t surrounded by scorers, but everyone else seems to have a nice role on the team.

• Tanner Glass – Energy, Grit, a touch of scoring and he’s plus 7.
• Rick Rypien – Fights anyone born on a day that ends in ‘Y”, and throws big hits at will.
• Jannik Hansen – At .4 points per game, the occasional scoring helps.
• Ryan Johnson – Best penalty killer the Canucks have, defensively responsible.
• Steve Bernier – 17 points in 32 games, he’s contributes.

Kyle Wellwood is the only exception from this list, but his quick hands have the chance to light the lamp at any time, which is why I would give him ice time over Hordichuk any day. However Wellwood also needs to improve his offensive production, unless he wants to keep eating press box food watching games from upstairs.

Fighting, hitting, toughness, the Canucks have enough of that with Glass, Rypien, and the occasional fight from Bieksa and O’Brien, so what does Hordichuk bring to the team? I honestly don’t know the answer, but he needs to find a way to contribute soon before Grabner’s foot heals, Wellwood wakes up, or Shirokov gets the call again.

Ovechkin Comes to Town

Alex Ovechkin’s autograph and picture session at The Bay in downtown Vancouver yesterday was a cool PR move, but also seemed to be much more about the Olympics than his own personal fame.

After signing autographs and taking pictures with youngsters who came out to see the Russian Superstar, Ovechkin made his intentions regarding the 2014 Sochi Olympics perfectly clear “I’m going to continue to say what I have to say, especially when it’s [about] the Olympics in my country,” It was a smart move by Ovechkin, who seemed to be looking for support in his rally to play for his home country in 2014, regardless of the NHL’s decision to allow their players to attend the tournament. “It’s the same for Canada. If someone says to a Canadian player, ‘You know what, you can’t go play the Olympic Games in your country,’ what do you think their reaction is going to be? The same.”

Ovechkin has a passion for the game rarely matched by other players, and while he is technically the enemy in the 2010 games, I’m 100% behind him with the fight to have NHL players in the 2014 games.

With all due respect to those players who played in previous Olympics without NHL players, the Olympic hockey tournament needs to be filled with the best players in the world in order to be the most coveted championship in the world. Without NHL players, the Olympic tournament will be overshadowed by the World Championships, and will become a glorified Spengler Cup in my opinion.

Meanwhile…

No, really, there’s actually a hockey game tonight! The climax of the Alex Ovechkin media circus is actually a hockey game, and the Canucks needs to be on their ‘A’ game tonight if they want to contain Alex the Great and the rest of the high powered Capitals offense. It could be a real shootout tonight, as the Capitals and Canucks are 1^st and 5th respectively in team scoring. The Canucks needs to stay out of the box tonight, and play smart defensively in order to keep Ovechkin’s damage to a minimum.

New and Notes

• Kyle Wellwood is back into the line-up, and Darcy Hordichuk is out, great minds think alike Mr. Vigneault.
• With Wellwood in, the third line seems like a decent offensive threat again, that is if Wellwood comes to play. Wellwood will center Bernier and Hansen on the 3^rd line, allowing Ryan Johnson to center Tanner Glass and Rick Rypien on the 4^th.
• Aaron Rome is in for Mathieu Schneider tonight as well.
• Semyan Varlamov is out with a groin injury tonight, so the Canucks will face Jose ‘Three or more” Theodore tonight. Let’s hope the nickname rings true tonight.
• Oliver Salo is a huge Ovechkin Fan, but Pops isn’t impressed “Maybe when I’m retired I’ll buy him an Ovechkin jersey…He doesn’t have to wear mine, but I’m not going to buy him an Ovechkin jersey as long as I’m playing for the Canucks.” Interesting that in the first sentence Sami uses “retired” but later says “as long as I’m playing for the Canucks” Sami already planning to retire a Canuck?